A Dual Coding Perspective on Encoding Processes

Abstract

Dual coding theory emerged several decades ago when a systematic research program was undertaken to examine the role of imagery in human cognition and, if warranted, to restore imagery to its “rightful place” alongside the language processes that then dominated the interests of cognitive psychologists. Early research efforts at the University of Western Ontario demonstrated the contribution of nonverbal processes to human cognitive behavior, even when that behavior involved language (e.g., Paivio, 1963, 1965, 1966; Paivio & Yarmey, 1965; Paivio & Yuille, 1966). We still find useful this work and that of other early investigators, summarized in Paivio (1971/1979), despite the considerable developments that have occurred in the intervening years as more and more scholars have applied their scientific skills to the study of imagery. Paivio (1986) provides a dual coding perspective on some of this recent work. These earlier sources give a more complete description of dual coding theory, which provides for us a useful organization of many cognitive phenomena.